Under the Arctic Sun: Norway & Svalbard Adventure

Touch down in Oslo, a capital that blends old-world charm with contemporary flair. Begin your northern journey surrounded by the crisp air and cultural heart of Norway. Whether wandering through the sculpture-dotted greenery of Vigeland Park or immersing yourself in the works of Edvard Munch at the Munch Museum, you’ll find Oslo’s creative spirit both understated and deeply moving. Meander along the Aker Brygge waterfront or uncover the city’s Viking roots at the open-air Norsk Folkemuseum. For a more modern take, sip cocktails in the Barcode District or wind down with a steamy sauna session floating on the Oslofjord. This intimate and liveable city offers a gentle yet inspiring introduction to your Arctic-bound adventure.

Today, board one of the world’s most breathtaking rail journeys: Norway in a Nutshell. Leaving Oslo behind, you’ll travel westward by train through thick pine forests, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows before switching to the iconic Flåm Railway at Myrdal. This marvel of engineering descends 900 vertical metres through the Flåmsdalen Valley, delivering you to the storybook village of Flåm at the edge of the Aurlandsfjord. Here, you can step back in time at the Flåm Railway Museum or settle into a local brewery for a craft beer with views of the fjord. The stillness of the landscape, interrupted only by cascading waterfalls and chirping birds, makes for a meditative end to a day of scenic wonders.

Begin the morning with a ferry ride through the ethereal Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site where jagged cliffs plunge into icy-blue waters. From Gudvangen, continue by road and rail through the postcard-perfect Voss region before arriving in Bergen – Norway’s cultural capital of the west. With its colourful Hanseatic wharf, cobbled lanes and mountain-fringed harbour, Bergen feels both historic and refreshingly lively. Spend the afternoon browsing boutiques, tasting seafood straight from the market, or riding the Fløibanen funicular to take in sweeping views of the fjords and sea. Your overnight stay in the heart of the city offers the perfect balance of relaxation and discovery before your voyage north begins.

This morning, take time to soak in Bergen’s maritime charm with a stroll along the Bryggen waterfront or a visit to one of the city’s many museums. Then, transfer to the Hurtigruten terminal where your next chapter begins. Step aboard the newly refurbished MS Trollfjord, designed with Norwegian wood and stone finishes to reflect the landscape you’re about to uncover. As the ship gently pulls away from the Bergen Harbour, toast to the days ahead with a glass in hand on the observation deck. Meet your Expedition Team, settle into your cabin, and get acquainted with life on board. This evening, as Norway’s rugged coast unfurls beside you, the excitement builds – you're sailing toward the realm of the midnight sun.

As dawn lights the sea, your ship glides into Åndalsnes – a storybook village set between majestic fjords and steep alpine peaks. Nestled at the mouth of the Romsdalsfjord, this town of just 2,000 people feels like it belongs to another world. Here, the Norwegians’ deep love of nature – friluftsliv – is everywhere. Hike the trail to Rampestreken viewpoint for jaw-dropping panoramas or take a gentler approach on the Romsdal Gondola, which whisks you effortlessly above dramatic cliffs and glacial valleys. For a dose of myth and motor, consider an excursion along the winding Trollstigen Pass, a serpentine mountain road flanked by waterfalls and legend. However you explore, Åndalsnes delivers cinematic landscapes and soul-stirring quiet.

This morning, your journey leads you to the windswept beauty of Træna, a remote archipelago perched on the edge of the Arctic Circle. Scattered across the sea like stepping stones to the north, these islands have been inhabited for over 9,000 years – a place where ancient traditions still run deep. You’ll be welcomed ashore with warmth and stories, as the village opens its doors to reveal small museums, a quaint chapel, and a rhythm of life dictated by the tides. Optional excursions range from hiking and cultural walks to Arctic spa rituals – imagine slipping into a hot sauna before braving the cool embrace of the sea. As you sail northward, crossing the Arctic Circle, a time-honoured ceremony marks your induction into the ranks of true polar adventurers.

Today’s destination could easily be mistaken for a dream. Welcome to Reine, the most iconic village in the Lofoten Islands where crimson fishing huts cling to rocky outcrops beneath serrated mountain peaks. With its mirror-still waters and raw, wild coastline, Reine is often described as one of the most beautiful places in Norway. Step ashore to explore the fishing heritage that defines life here, or journey to Å, a nearby hamlet where the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum offers a glimpse into coastal life over the past 250 years. Whether photographing jagged ridge lines or browsing local artisan shops, your day in Lofoten is one of pure Nordic enchantment.

Crossing further north, you arrive in Tromsø – a cosmopolitan outpost that feels at once urban and wild. Long a launchpad for Arctic expeditions, Tromsø today offers a heady mix of frontier spirit, lively cafés, and striking architecture. Spend the day as you please: delve into polar history at the Fram Centre, marvel at the soaring stained glass of the Arctic Cathedral, or take the Fjellheisen Cable Car up Storsteinen Mountain for an unforgettable view of the city and beyond. For the adventurous, optional excursions range from scenic drives to sea kayaking. As evening light lingers, dine on local delicacies or toast your Arctic arrival in one of the city’s bars – a rare chance to experience the North under a vibrant sky of eternal day.

This morning, you dock in Honningsvåg, a rugged frontier town and the gateway to the North Cape. Standing atop Europe’s northernmost cliffs, 307 metres above the swirling Barents Sea, you’re now just 1,600 kilometres from the North Pole. The dramatic headland offers a view like no other: ocean stretching to infinity beneath a sun that refuses to set. Choose from a variety of excursions from quad-biking the windswept plains to scenic hikes with your Expedition Team. As the ship sails onward, leaving mainland Norway behind, raise your glass to the wild, untamed waters that lie ahead. You're now truly at the top of the world.

Today, the horizon expands. As the ship cuts through the deep blue of the Barents Sea, you’ll feel the thrill of true remoteness – the quiet hum of the vessel underscored only by wind, water, and the cries of distant seabirds. You're now sailing toward Svalbard, one of the world's last great wildernesses. Attend a lecture with the Expedition Team to learn about the fragile ecosystems ahead, or simply find a quiet spot on deck to watch the sea unfold around you. Keep your eyes peeled for isolated outposts like Bjørnøya (Bear Island), where cliffs plunge into icy surf. This is a day to breathe deeply, relax fully, and prepare for the extraordinary landscapes that await in the far north.

As you sail into the Isfjord, the jagged mountains of Spitsbergen rise from the Arctic Ocean, welcoming you to Longyearbyen – the northernmost town on Earth with a true sense of community. Disembark and check in to the stylish Funken Lodge, your base for the next two nights. Surrounded by tundra and glacier-fed valleys, this quiet outpost offers a rare glimpse into life at the edge of the world.

Spend your time exploring the natural wonders of Svalbard. Cruise silently past glaciers and ghost towns aboard a hybrid-electric catamaran, keeping watch for seals, seabirds, and with luck, a polar bear. Enjoy guided insights into this fragile ecosystem while gliding beneath towering ice cliffs and dramatic ridgelines. Back in town, savour refined Arctic dining: first, a Nordic feast at Funken Lodge, then a spectacular 14-course tasting menu at Longyearbyen’s acclaimed Huset restaurant, known for its exceptional wine cellar and creative use of local ingredients.

On your final morning, transfer to the airport for your onward flight, departing with the profound sense of having stood at the edge of the world.